Letter: We Owe Law Enforcement, Vets, Everything

Members of the Portage Co. Unified Honor Guard — Deputy Jared Mayer, Det. Tony Zblewski, Det. Dana Williams and Sgt. Kevin Sorenson — prepare to present the colors at the Wisconsin Association of Women Police conference in July of 2016. (City Times photo)

July 8, 2016

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To the Editor-

In the wake of this nations most recent events, I am reminded of a line from the movie “A Few Good Men”. Colonel Nathan Jessup said:

“My existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, saves lives. You don’t want the truth because deep down in places you don’t talk about at parties, you want me on that wall, you need me on that wall. We use words like honor, code, loyalty. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent defending something. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said thank you, and went on your way”.

Now, while I understand that this is a quote from a “bad guy” in a movie, I believe that it has validity to the current situation that our nation is struggling with. If you break down the quote and put it into today’s real life perspective, it will start to make sense.

“My existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you” – This is the way that many people feel about the law enforcement community today. People use disgusting words when a patrol car drives by. The site of a blue or brown uniform makes people turn away and roll their eyes. Why?

“You don’t want the truth because deep down in places you don’t talk about at parties” – We often do not think about law enforcement and when we do. Most of the communities perception comes from when they are being blasted on social media.

“You want me on that wall, you need me on that wall”- Yes, we need you Sir or Ma’am. Its because of you that we are all able to sleep safely at night.

“We use words like honor, code, loyalty. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent defending something. You use them as a punch line” – The code of brotherhood that law enforcement officers follow is one that says that they will put their lives on the line for you, me and one another. They risk their lives every day for little money and almost no gratitude. They will risk their lives for perfect strangers. They defend our way of life and they do it unconditionally.

“I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said thank you, and went on your way” – What’s different about this part in regards to law enforcement is that they actually do explain themselves. Quite clearly actually. Law enforcement officers actually love to talk to people about their day and if you actually take the time to ask questions, you will find that they are average people doing the best that they can with a job that requires the daily bravery of a combat veteran.

Today’s nation of people have become so hung up on themselves that we rarely stop and think about how our actions will affect others. We all need to slow down and start thinking about the people around us. Say hello to your neighbors. Shake a veteran’s hand at the grocery store.

The next time you see an officer at the local Subway eating lunch, say hello. Darn it, say thank you! Because without those brave men and women, it may not be safe for you and I to walk these streets that we call home.